Recently, it's been brought to my attention that I'm rude. Okay, okay, I'm not rude in the sense that I ignore my friends when they try to talk to me, and I always hold the door for the person behind me. But, I am rude, or at least I used to be, because at the restaurant I work at, I consistently say:

"No problem!"

I know what you're probably thinking, "who cares?" Although I and many people my age don't mean it, saying "no problem" instead of "you're welcome" is actually seen as quite rude to many people. Let me explain.

Responding to "thank you" with a "no problem," insinuates that whatever you've just done might, in fact, have been "problematic." Even if the thanker didn't consider the task a hassle, “no problem” suggests that the person being thanked felt that there was the possibility of it being a hassle. This isn’t proper manners, as it may make the other person feel uncomfortable and guilty for asking you a favor.

Giving someone their pizza at the restaurant I work at is certainly not a problem, especially because the customer is paying for their pizza and it is my job. To many, saying "no problem" means that whatever they just thanked you for was a problem, but you did it anyways to be kind.

It can be a hard habit to break, but it is important to keep in mind, especially if you work in any form of customer service. No one wants to feel like a burden, and saying “no problem” can make you sound entitled.

Just say “you’re welcome,” and you’re gonna see a change in the way people or your customers treat (and tip) you. Here are a couple examples:

If someone bumps into you by accident and apologizes… “no problem” is the correct response.

Someone thanks you for a receipt… “you’re welcome” will leave the customer with a pleasant memory of the store or restaurant.

Thank you.